(The Day of the Banquet)
Hans came rushing into the Emperor's chamber, slightly out of breath.
"Your Majesty, are you ready? The banquet is about to start."
Eyan straightened his collar, giving a faint nod.
"I'm ready… let's go."
At the same time, Eva and Aranel arrived at the palace gates. Their eyes wandered over the grand facade of Velmoria's royal palace, glowing beneath the soft evening lanterns.
Aranel's lips parted in awe. "The royal palace is so beautiful."
Eva nodded. "Yes, it is."
"Come on, let's go inside."
Inside, the banquet hall was bathed in golden light. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting delicate reflections over tables lined with fine silverware and exotic dishes from across the empire. Musicians played a soft melody in the corner while noble guests mingled, their voices a low hum under the grandeur of the evening. Servants in crisp uniforms moved like clockwork, refilling glasses and bringing fresh platters.
Aranel tugged Eva toward the dining tables. "Eva, let's go and eat something."
Eva nodded again, letting her friend pull her along.
While nibbling on pastries, Aranel leaned in. "My father told me that the prince from the neighboring kingdom is here too."
Eva raised her brows. "Really?"
"Yes. There are so many people from different countries tonight," Aranel said, scanning the crowd.
Eva's gaze drifted toward the raised VIP section, where foreign dignitaries were seated. Just then, a herald's voice rang through the hall.
"Announcing His Imperial Majesty, Eyan Lucien Therald, Emperor of Velmoria!"
The hall fell silent. All eyes turned toward the grand staircase as Eyan descended in his formal attire, his presence commanding the air around him. The guests bowed deeply.
"All of you, raise your heads," Eyan's voice carried across the hall.
A sudden chill ran through Eva.
Why… why am I feeling afraid all of a sudden?
Her gaze lingered on him. The way he looks right now… it's exactly how I remember him from my past life. It's like he has a completely different personality when he's with me.
Aranel's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "What are you thinking so deeply about?"
Eva shook her head quickly. "Nothing."
Eyan lifted his glass. "Let's begin the banquet."
Music swelled, filling the air again. Noble ladies from all the great houses approached, each asking for the honor of a dance. One by one, Eyan refused.
Hans leaned in close to him. "Your Majesty, you shouldn't reject all the dance requests. Your father will be furious if he finds out."
Eyan's lips curved into a cold smirk. "Let him. I'm not afraid of him. I'm not going to dance with anybody."
Across the room, Aranel whispered to Eva while watching him. "See that? What did I tell you? The Emperor is not interested in marriage. Look, he's rejecting everyone."
Eva gave a small smile. "You're right."
"Come on, Eva. We should go greet him too."
Eva hesitated. "Alright…"
The two approached.
"Your Majesty, we wish you a blessed birthday," they said in unison, bowing.
Eyan's eyes lit up at the sight of Eva. "Thank you for the wishes, both of you. Lady Eva… I didn't expect to see you here."
"I came here with her, Your Majesty," Eva said, nodding toward Aranel.
Eyan glanced at Aranel.
She must be the childhood friend, Eva mentioned to me.
"Lady Aranel, how is your father's health now?"
"He is fine now, Your Majesty."
"Tell the Duke I send my regards."
"I will."
Eva took a breath. "Your Majesty, I have a request."
"Please, feel free to ask for anything."
"I wanted to ask you something… if you don't mind, could I have a five-minute talk with you after the banquet? I know Your Majesty is busy, but it won't take long—"
"Alright."
Eva blinked in disbelief.
Eyan's gaze didn't waver. "I'll have a talk with you. I'm not that busy."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Wait in the guest room after the banquet. I'll come to you."
"Sure, Your Majesty."
They bowed and stepped away.
Hans moved closer, smirking. "Your Majesty, you looked like you were about to die a moment ago. Now you're smiling. It must be because of Her Highness."
Eyan chuckled under his breath. "I haven't seen her face for four days. Of course I'm happy. I didn't expect her to be here… but I'm glad she came."
---
Near the palace steps, Aranel turned to Eva.
"Eva, are you sure you'll be alright alone?"
Eva smiled faintly. "Yes, I'll be fine. I'll go home after I finish my talk with His Majesty. Don't worry."
"Fine…" Aranel hesitated before finally stepping into her carriage. With a wave, she was gone.
Eva turned back toward the banquet hall, her mind still on the conversation she had to have with Eyan—only to bump into a tall figure in the shadows.
"Oh—please forgive me," she said quickly.
"It's all right," the man replied.
Eva looked up at him. "But it was my fault."
"Even so, it's all right. Don't apologize." His voice was calm, almost warm.
He studied her for a moment before speaking again. "I should introduce myself. I'm Velco…" He inclined his head slightly, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Velco Morvalis, Crown Prince of Dravareth."
Eva immediately dipped into a bow. "Your Highness, Prince Velco. Please forgive me—I didn't recognize you."
"Raise your head, my lady. This is our first meeting. Of course you wouldn't recognize me."
"Are you leaving the banquet?" Velco asked, his gaze steady.
"No, Your Highness. I was just saying goodbye to a friend."
"Oh? Is that so?" His tone softened. "May I have your name, my lady?"
"Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. My name is Eva."
"Eva…" He repeated it slowly, as if testing the sound. "That's a beautiful name."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"If you don't mind," Velco said, "would you join me for a drink?"
Eva hesitated, her mind racing. I shouldn't reject his request—he's from a neighboring country. She forced a small smile. "Of course, Your Highness."
"Let's go to the terrace."
The night air on the terrace was cool, the soft light of lanterns spilling across polished stone. Velco handed her a glass of wine, and they drank together in the quiet.
"Lady Eva," Velco began, "may I ask you a question?"
"Please, Your Highness."
"Are you single?"
Eva lifted her head and showed him her wedding ring. "Sorry, Your Highness, but I have a husband."
Under his breath, Velco murmured, "That's unfortunate."
"Did you say something, Your Highness?"
"Nothing." His eyes fell on her ring. "That's a beautiful ring."
Eva smiled faintly. "My husband gave it to me."
"You must love him very much, seeing how your face lights up when you speak of him."
"Yes, Your Highness. I love my husband."
"Your husband is very lucky to have such a beautiful wife."
"You flatter me, Your Highness."
"Your husband must be some high-ranking man."
"No, Your Highness. My husband is a commoner."
Velco's brows rose. "A commoner? A noble lady like you married a commoner?"
"I was once a noble, but I abandoned my family name. I live as a commoner now."
"Oh…" Velco studied her. "I assumed your husband was high-ranking because of that ring—it looks expensive."
"No, Your Highness. It's not expensive at all. Quite cheap, actually."
"Ah… I must have been mistaken then."
Eva glanced toward the hall. "Your Highness, if you don't mind, I'd like to take my leave. I have something to do."
"Please—don't mind me."
Eva bowed and left. Velco watched her go before turning his gaze to the night sky.
"Lady Eva… you are beautiful," he murmured. His eyes lingered on where she had disappeared.
"That ring is not cheap. Looks like her commoner husband is hiding something…"
He exhaled. "Why do I care? It's not important. I have other matters to worry about."